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Middelburg
Surrounded by mountains in the heart of the Great Karoo, Middelburg is unique and yet similar in two very different ways to the average Karoo town. It is similar in that it was founded out of the need for a new Dutch Reformed parish, and it is unique in that, despite being in a semi-desert, no water restrictions have ever had to be imposed. The town's rich supply of borehole water has made it a green oasis of flourishing gardens.
Outdoor activities available in and around Middelburg are hiking, mountain biking, game and bird watching, plains game hunting, exciting river tubing on strongly flowing waters from the Gariep Dam, abseiling, rock climbing, horse trailing, camping and more.
Arts & crafts from local artists include water- and oil paintings, beadwork, traditional artifacts and a diversity of wire, wood & glass ornaments. Take a tour through the factories that manufacture leather goods and shoes, as well as woollen duvets and pillows, or visit the farm stall at the foot of the Lootsberg Pass for homemade goodies.
The Karoo is known for the different herbs that grow in the veld. Drop by at the herbal bar and discover the healing powers of natural medicine.
Between 240 and 280 million years ago, life on earth nearly came to an end, at the end of the PERMIAN Era and the beginning of the TRIASSIC Era. The Karoo is one of the few places in the world where this history is documented in the fossil life to be found in the area. Visit nearby sites where such fossils have been found and learn more of this interest facet in the world’s history.
An insect fundi will fascinate you with her displays and animal touch farm.
Surrounding farms, some offering accommodation, and other activities, are well worth a visit to view interesting architectural, and historical buildings, technically interesting enterprises, and operational sheep farms.
Middelburg’s history is very rich, with interesting facts about the Anglo Boer War as well as the different cultures.
Accommodation is always high on a tourist “do list”, so pop in to our Tourism office for details of the many establishments available, select one and enjoy the hospitality and warm friendliness with a cocktail and a Karoo sunset.
The town is the centre of a sheep farming area and has the Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute on its outskirts.
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